LeMans

05/07/96

Because the organizers of this years 24 hour LeMans endurance received over twice the number of entries as there are grid positions they decided to conduct a 9-hour pre-qualifying session at the Sarthe circuit in the south of France last week. There are 38 grid spots available and 100 entries were received. Many entries were tossed out for a variety of reasons...type of car, specifications, driver experience and now 59 cars are vying for starting positions. In last weeks pre-qualifying two United States IMSA teams with three cars entered put on a good showing. Number one time was set by the Rocketsports Ferrari 333SP driven by Eeric Bachelart, Eric Van der Peole and J. Goosens. A second Rocketsports Ferrai 333Sp set next fastest time and the pilots were Paul Gentelozzi, Andy Evans and Peter Muller. Other quick times ans most likely high qualifyers were the TWR Racing Porsche Spyders, the Courage Porsche of Mario Andretti teamed with former LeMans winners Jan Lammers and Derek Warwick.

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel